EXPERT: Todd McShay, The McShay Report
LAST UPDATED: February 9, 2026
PICK: R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
McShay’s Analysis:
“When you have your QB and you know you’re gonna score a lot of points, “closers” become an integral part of the winning equation. New England brought in some impact free agents on the defensive side of the ball last offseason but Harold Landry III is aging and coming off an injury-riddled 2025. K’Lavon Chaisson (7.5 sacks) hits free agency next month, but even if he returns, the Patriots need to add young blood to their pass rush. Thomas makes sense. He’s an undersized edge—not dissimilar to Landry—but he is one of my favorite players in the class. Thomas blasts out of his stance, shows excellent snap in his hands, bends a tight edge, and his motor is legendary. He’s a Mike Vrabel kind of guy.”
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